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It was a relatively quiet Saturday for Badger fans on draft day, as there were no selections for the Badgers after offensive tackle Rob Havenstein went in the second round to the St. Louis Rams, but there was one bit of good news. Defensive linemen Warren Herring signed with the Atlanta Falcons per the Wisconsin State Journal's Jason Galloway.
Happy to be an Atlanta Falcon!! Blessed to have the opportunity!
— Warren Herring A01 (@DubbHerring45) May 2, 2015
Herring was widely regarded as the glue that made the Badgers defense reach the heights of being the No. 1-ranked defense in the nation when he was healthy last season -- as he missed five games after a knee injury versus LSU. But when healthy, the 294-pound Herring proved to be the anchor that locked down most teams' running games.
Herring also is going to a team that runs a 4-3 defense in the Atlanta Falcons, but Herring told Galloway Saturday the Falcons will also run a hybrid-style defense. When he had more single gap responsibilities as a junior, Herring shined in limited duty, garnering six tackles for loss and four sacks in limited duty. The Falcons did draft Clemson defensive tackle Grady Jarrett in the fifth round, but the Falcons were 21st in the NFL in terms of rushing yards given up per game last season.
There's a good opportunity for Herring to stick and join center Peter Konz, linebacker O'Brien Schofield, and safety Dezmen Southward on the 53-man roster if training camp goes well.
Herring noted to Galloway on Saturday he's happy for the possibilities ahead:
"You always want to say you got drafted, but I'm just glad I have an opportunity to play, have an opportunity to live out my dream," Herring said. "I'm just blessed to have an opportunity."